Tag Archives: republicans

For more than 40 years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has used the Clean Air Act to save lives, protect human health, and safeguard our environment.

But now, this critical piece of legislation is under attack, as is the very science upon which it is based.

“I have said many times, and there was a report a couple of weeks ago that in fact you look at this last year, it was the warmest year in the last decade, I think was the numbers that came out. I don’t – I accept that. I do not say that it is man-made.”

— Representative Fred Upton (R-MI)

This is part of a well-coordinated, well-funded war on science—backed by opponents looking out for their own interests in an effort to obstruct progress on important environmental and human health protections.

We need your help. Please urge your representative to stand up for science and the health of our families by opposing efforts to undermine the Clean Air Act.

http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/solutions/big_picture_solutions/clean-air-act.html

The Clean Air Act was created to regulate dangerous pollutants and to implement a science-based method for the EPA to identify and address new threats to human health. In 2009, after conducting an exhaustive scientific review, the EPA concluded that global warming emissions threaten public health and welfare.

We cannot allow our elected officials to senselessly reject the EPA’s scientific assessment that global warming emissions endanger the public. Nor can we allow them to roll back the hard-fought human health and environmental protections we’ve won in the last few years! Please take action today.

Amidst the inflammatory rhetoric of media personalities and polarizing politics found in our national and state capitols these days, it’s becoming harder and harder to find leaders who are willing to stand up for science and for practical solutions to America’s energy and climate challenges.

Please urge your representative to say no to this attack on science and human health by supporting efforts to protect the EPA’s authority to reduce global warming emissions.

Sincerely,

Kate Abend

National Field Organizer

UCS Climate and Energy Program

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Budget: ‘Invest and Grow’ vs. ‘Slash and Burn’

02/15/2011 Nativegrl77

The Obama administration released its fiscal year 2012 budget yesterday, even as Congress continues to grapple with funding for the remainder of the fiscal 2011 year (which ends in October). The $3.7 trillion budget makes key investments in infrastructure, scientific research, education, and job creation, while still reducing the deficit in the medium term and stabilizing the debt-to-GDP ratio, two key steps to getting the long-term structural deficit under control. “Even as we cut out things that we can afford to do without, we have a responsibility to invest in those areas that will have the biggest impact in our future,” President Obama said in a speech yesterday. Of course, Republicans in Congress immediately criticized the administration for not proposing enough in the way of budget cuts, claiming that the lack of cuts will result in job losses. “It’s going to destroy jobs because it spends too much, it borrows too much, and it increases the deficit,” Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) said on Laura Ingraham’s radio show. But at the same time that they’re falsely accusing the administration of crafting budget policies that will cause unemployment to rise, House Republicans have proposed a deeply irresponsible spending plan for the remainder of fiscal year 2011 that, if enacted, would result in deep cuts to vital and popular programs that promote competitiveness and job creation, while simultaneously harming some of the nation’s most vulnerable residents.

KEY INVESTMENTS: As Center for American Progress economist Adam Hersh wrote, “If there is one point on which all economists can agree, it is that investment — in infrastructure, in research and innovation, and worker productivity — is the foundation for economic growth.” To that end, the Obama administration included in its budget proposal $556 billion for a six-year surface transportation authorization. The administration proposed $8 billion next year to invest in passenger and high-speed rail and $30 billion for a National Infrastructure Bank. The infrastructure funding drew the support of the National League of Cities, but even with those spending boosts, the nation would still be far short of fulfilling what the Army Corps of Engineers has assessed as roughly $2.2 trillion in infrastructure needs. The administration’s proposed budget would also include $8 billion “to boost electric cars, wind and solar power, [and] clean-energy manufacturing,” as well as $200 million in subsidies for energy efficiency and renewable energy loan guarantees. In the education realm, the Obama administration proposed a new round of the Race To The Top program — this time making competitive grants for education reform available to individual districts, instead of entire states — while increasing money for special education, school turnaround grants, and early intervention services for toddlers with disabilities. The budget also preserves the maximum Pell Grant, as well as the Teacher Incentive Fund and the Improving Teacher Quality State Grants. “The administration’s budget generally reflects the principle that we cannot out compete the rest of the world if we are leaving one-third of our citizens behind,” CAP’s Half in Ten manager Melissa Boteach noted. However, the proposed budget also includes some disappointing cuts, reducing both the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance and Community Services Block Grant by 50 percent. “These services both stabilize families in crisis and provide a pathway to long-term economic security,” Boteach wrote.

RESPONSIBLE DEFICIT REDUCTION: The release of the budget resulted in a predictable outcry from self-styled deficit hawks, who moaned that the administration did not attempt to reduce the deficit even more drastically than it did. “Regrettably, this budget keeps our nation on a reckless fiscal path, representing more unaffordable debt and spending,” said Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT). The budget also received fire from Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND), who said we need “a much more robust package of deficit and debt reduction over the medium and long term.” Alice Rivlin, a member of the now-completed Presidential deficit commission, claimed, “I would have preferred to see the administration get out front on addressing the entitlements and the tax reform that we need to reduce long-run deficits.” However, the President’s budget does responsibly reduce the deficit. As Center for American Progress Associate Director of Tax and Budget Policy Michael Linden wrote, “The President’s budget goes exactly as far as it should, showing deficits declining from a high of 10.9 percent of GDP down to 3.2 percent of GDP by 2015.” “His deficit reduction eases in to allow the economic recovery to get more momentum before the deficit-cutting measures start to bite. And, although there are lots of spending cuts, there are lots of investments in the economy that can produce returns in job creation and economic growth,” added CAP Vice President for Economic Policy Michael Ettlinger. Even so, the administration left some big fish on the table in terms of possible deficit reduction, including plenty of wasteful tax expenditures and the bloated defense budget (from which the administration only suggested $78 billion in savings over five years, which only slows DOD’s rate of growth).

GOP‘S SLASH AND BURN: As the President rolls out his budget, House Republicans are using their new majority to try to cut spending for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year. (Currently, the government is operating under a continuing resolution that keeps funding consistent at the 2010 level.) After initially releasing roughly $30 billion in cuts (below the fiscal 2010 level), House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) was forced to go back and find further reductions after a revolt from members of his own party. The roughly $60 billion in savings that the GOP found, on its second attempt, would severely undermine job creation — causing the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs even as unemployment is at 9 percent — while also cutting vital and popular programs. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the GOP’s first round of proposed budget cuts alone would cause the loss of 600,000 jobs. With their proposed cuts, House Republicans take aim at everything from Pell Grants and special education funding to WIC, which provides nutrition assistance for infants and low-income pregnant women, and other programs benefiting women and children. They also proposed cutting half of federal job training programs, more than one billion from community health centers (which they used to call “essential”), and slashing clean-tech and energy investments by nearly 30 percent, “devastating this growing but immature industry that struggled during the Great Recession.” Programs that they propose completely eliminating range from investments in high-speed rail and weatherization assistance to assistance for homeless veterans. Finally, at the same time that some Republicans decided to criticize the President for not reducing the deficit fast enough, they proposed new, unfinanced tax cuts that would cost hundreds of billions of dollars.

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Congress: the Senate & the Republican led House -are they really working for you?

02/15/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET February 15, 2011

Senate extends the PatriotAct 3months -May 2011 86-12 go to: www.senate.gov and find out how your rep. voted

Morning business until 11am with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each therein, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees.

At 11am, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, FAA Authorization bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.223:

– Blunt amendment #5 (private screening company)

– Wyden #27 (increase test sites for unmanned aerial vehicles)

– Inhofe amendment #7 (flight time limitations/rest requirements), as modified (slots)

– Ensign amendment #32 (military remotely piloted aerial systems)

– McCain amendment #4 (Essential Air Service)

– Leahy amendment #50 (liability protection for volunteer pilots)

– Reid amendment #54 (noise buffering)

– Reid #55 (Convey federal land to Mesquite, NV)

– Udall (NM) #49 (Dona Ana County airport), as modified

– Udall (NM) #51 (Advanced Imaging Technology), as modified

– Paul amendment #18 (Memorandum of understanding re: OSHA)

– Baucus amendment #75, as further modified (Finance title)

– Hutchison amendment #93 to Inhofe amendment #7, as modified (Slots)

At 11:40am, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of the Nelson (NE) amendment #58 (criminal penalty for distribution of body scan images) and a Nelson (NE) 2nd degree amendment #85 will be agreed to. There will then be 20 minutes for debate followed by a roll call vote in relation to the Nelson (NE) amendment #58, as amended (60-vote threshold).

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons.

At 2:15pm, there will be 20 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Rockefeller and Wicker prior to a roll call vote in relation to the Wicker amendment #14, as modified (TSA collective bargaining) (60-vote threshold).

The Senate has entered into an agreement to limit debate on the Paul amendment #21 (FY ‘08 authorization levels). There will now be up to 100 minutes for debate equally divided between Senators Paul and Rockefeller, or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to a vote in relation to the amendment. We expect this vote to be a tabling motion. No amendments are in order to the amendment prior to the vote.

As a result, senators should expect a roll call vote to begin at approximately 4:55pm in relation to the Paul amendment #21 (FY ‘08 authorization levels).

Following the vote on the Paul amendment, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.514, PATRIOT Act/FISA extension. The Reid-McConnell substitute amendment will be agreed to by unanimous consent (the amendment extends the PATRIOT Act and FISA provisions through May 27, 2011). No further amendments or motions are in order prior to the vote. There will then be up to 30 minutes for debate prior to a roll call vote on passage of H.R.514, as amended.

This evening, Senator Inhofe called for the regular order with respect to his amendment #7 and modified his amendment (Slots). Senator Hutchison then second degreed the Inhofe amendment with similar language relating to slots (Hutchison #93).

Senator Hutchison then filed cloture on the Inhofe amendment #7, as modified (Slots).

Prior to this, by consent Senator Udall (NM) modified his pending amendments #49 and 51 with technical changes.

There will be no further roll call votes during Tuesday’s session of the Senate.

Votes:

16: Nelson (NE) amendment #58, as amended by Nelson (NE) #85, as modified (criminal penalties for distribution of airport screening x-rays);

Agreed To: 98-0

17: Wicker amendment #14: , as modified (TSA collective bargaining);

Not Agreed To: 47-51

18: Reid motion to table the Paul amendment #21: (FY ’08 levels)

Tabled: 51-47

19: Passage of H.R.514, as amended (PATRIOT Act/FISA extension through May 27, 2011);

Passed: 86-12

Unanimous Consent:

Agreed to Blunt amendment #5, as modified (private screening company)

Agreed to Reid #55 (Convey federal land to Mesquite, NV)

———————————————————

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 15, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

1:13 A.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 16, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Chaffetz moved that the House do now adjourn.

H.R. 1:

making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

1:12 A.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1 as unfinished business.

1:11 A.M. –

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Rogers (KY) moved that the Committee rise.

1:10 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pascrell amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Aderholt demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

12:52 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pascrell amendment numbered 223 under the five-minute rule.

12:51 A.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Pascrell.

An amendment numbered 223 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding for Firefighter Assistance Grants by $510 million offset by a reduction in funding for the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology R&D by the same amount.

12:47 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the DeFazio amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. DeFazio demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

12:40 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the DeFazio amendment numbered 98 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. DeFazio.

An amendment numbered 98 printed in the Congressional Record to eliminate the funding for the Selective Service System ($24.032 million) and to apply the savings to the deficit.

12:33 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Latta amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Latta demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

12:29 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Latta amendment numbered 259 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Latta.

An amendment numbered 259 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $70 million.

12:28 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Tonko amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Tonko demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

12:23 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tonko amendment numbered 4 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Tonko.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to strike the prohibition on Weatherization and State Energy Program Funding.

12:22 A.M. –

On agreeing to the McClintock amendment Failed by voice vote.

12:17 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McClintock amendment numbered 315 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. McClintock.

An amendment numbered 315 printed in the Congressional Record to eliminate the funding for Solar R&D within EERE ($247 million) and to apply the amount to the deficit reduction account.

12:16 A.M. –

On agreeing to the McClintock amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McClintock amendment numbered 297 under the five minute rule.

12:15 A.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. McClintock.

An amendment numbered 297 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funds used for the Klamath Dam Removal and Sedimentation Study being conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service by $1.897 million and apply the amount to the deficit reduction account.

12:12 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Inslee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Inslee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

12:04 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Inslee amendment number 395 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Inslee.

An amendment numbered 395 printed in the Congressional Record to increase the funding for the ARPA-E account by $20 million offset by a reduction in the Fossil Energy account of $20 million.

12:03 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Biggert amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Biggert demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

11:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Biggert amendment No. 192 under the five-minute rule.

11:51 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mrs. Biggert.

An amendment numbered 192 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funding for the ARPA-E account by $50 million and apply the amount to the deficit reduction account.

11:43 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Duncan (SC) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Duncan (SC) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

11:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Duncan (SC) amendment No. 110 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Duncan (SC).

An amendment numbered 110 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the amount for the Legal Services Corporation by $324 million.

11:24 P.M. –

Mr. Wolf raised a point of order against the Cohen amendment Mr. Wolf stated that the provisions of the amendment seek to propose a net increase in budget authority in the bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

11:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Cohen amendment number 173 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

11:08 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Cohen.

An amendment numbered 173 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding for the Legal Services Corporation by $70 million.

11:03 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Olson amendment was withdrawn.

10:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Olson amendment number 78 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Olson.

An amendment numbered 78 printed in the Congressional Record to decrease/increase the amount available for NASA Space Operations by $517 million.

10:51 P.M. –

POSTPONED CONSIDERATION – At the conclusion of debate on the Weiner amendment, as modified, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Weiner demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Weiner amendment number 125, as modified under the five-minute rule.

10:25 P.M. –

Weiner amendment modified by unanimous consent. The modication makes a technical correction.

Amendment offered by Mr. Weiner.

An amendment numbered 125 printed in the Congressional Record to increase the Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services by $298,000,000 and reducing the NASA by $298,000,000.

10:24 P.M. –

Mr. Wolf raised a point of order against the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Mr. Wolf stated that the amendment seeks to increase net Budget authority. The Chair sustained the point of order.

10:16 P.M. –

POINT OF ORDER – Mr. Wolf reserved a point of order againist the Jackson Lee amendment numbered 240 printed in the Congressional Record.

10:15 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 240 printed in the Congressional Record to strike the section that reduces the fund for the Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Service by $290,500,000.

10:14 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Holt amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:11 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Holt.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in the Congressional Record to redirect $20 million in funding for the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance.

10:09 P.M. –

10:05 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on Latta amendment number 260 under the five-minute rule.

10:04 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Latta.

An amendment numbered 260 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funds in the Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Construction of Research Facilities by $10,000,000.

9:59 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Dicks demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:55 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on Flake amendment number 368 under the five-minute rule.

9:54 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 368 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funds to the Department of Justice, General Administration, National Drug Intelligence Center by $34,023,000.

9:51 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Michaud amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Michaud demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on Michaud amendment number 153 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Michaud.

An amendment numbered 153 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the the Census by $80 million and increasing EDA by $80 million.

9:41 P.M. –

Mr. Kingston raised a point of order against the Connolly (VA) amendment Mr. Kingston stated that the amendment seeks to transfer funds between the subcommittees. The Chair sustained the point of order.

9:36 P.M. –

POINT OF ORDER – Mr. Kingston reserved a point of order againist the Connolly (VA) amendment numbered 93 printed in the Congressional Record.

9:35 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Connolly (VA).

An amendment numbered 93 printed in the Congresssional Record to reduce funds for the Agricultural Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service by $200,000,000.

9:33 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Defazio amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Kingston demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on Defazio amendment number 97 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. DeFazio.

An amendment numbered 97 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding (by transfer) for the Agricultural Programs, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Integrated Activities by $5 million.

9:05 P.M. –

Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the Baldwin amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the amendment seeks to amend portions of the bill not yet read for consideration. The Chair sustained the point of order.

9:02 P.M. –

POINT OF ORDER – Mr. Frelinghuysen reserved a point of order againist the Baldwin amendment numbered 45 printed in the Congressional Record.

9:00 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Ms. Baldwin.

An amendment numbered 45 printed in the Congressional Record to add at the end of division A a new section.

8:59 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Holt demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:55 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on Holt amendment number 237 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Holt.

An amendment numbered 237 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Iraq Security Forces Fund by $1,500,000,000.

8:53 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jones amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Jones demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:41 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on Jones amendment number 95 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Jones.

An amendment numbered 95 printed in the Congressional Record to eliminate the Afghanistan Infrastructure fund.

8:40 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rooney amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rooney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole resumed debate on the Rooney amendment No. 2.

Considered as unfinished business.

8:09 P.M. –

Mr. Dreier filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 93.

H.R. 1:

making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

8:08 P.M. –

On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Young (FL) moved that the committee rise.

7:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Rooney amendment number 2 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Rooney.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congresssional Record to reduce Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Navy by $ 225,000,000, reduce Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force by $225,000,000 and increase Defense by $450,000,000

7:38 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Quigley amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Quigley amendment number 162 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Quigley.

An amendment numbered 162 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce Title IV the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation by 10%.

7:25 P.M. –

Subsequently, the Committee resumed it’s sitting.

7:24 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 514 amended.

H.R. 1:

making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

The Committee of the Whole rose informally to receive a message from the Senate.

7:23 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Pompeo amendment Failed by recorded vote: 109 – 320 (Roll no. 44).

7:18 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Gutierrez amendment Failed by recorded vote: 105 – 326 (Roll no. 43).

7:12 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Pompeo amendment Failed by recorded vote: 72 – 358 (Roll no. 42).

7:08 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 207 – 223 (Roll no. 41).

6:39 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 1:

making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pompeo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Pompeo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

6:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pompeo amendment number 86 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Pompeo.

An amendment numbered 86 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funds in Title IV the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation and increase Defense by $115,520,000.

6:18 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gutierrez amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gutierrez demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

6:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gutierrez amendment number 63 under the five-minute rule.

6:09 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Gutierrez.

An amendment numbered 63 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the amount for Aircraft Procurement, Navy by $21,985,000, the Aircraft Procurement, Air Force by $393,098,000 and increase Defense by $415,083,000.

6:00 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pompeo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Dicks demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

5:43 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pompeo amendment number 87 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Pompeo.

An amendment numbered 87 printed in the Congressional Record to eliminate all funding for the Innovative Research Fund.

5:37 P.M. –

3:37 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment number 370 under the five-minute rule.

3:36 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 370 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funding by $18,750,000 for unneeded boards and commissions.

2:14 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1.

2:13 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Frank D. Lucas to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 92 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be read by paragraph. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution makes in order only those amendments received for printing in the Congressional Record dated at least one day before the day of consideration of the amendment (but no later that February 15, 2011). The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII for a two-thirds vote to consider a report from the Committee on Rules on the same day it is presented to the House is waived with respect to any resolution reported providing for consideration or disposition of H.R. 1.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 92.

H. Con. Res. 17:

providing for an adjournment or recess of the two Houses

2:12 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 243 – 176 (Roll no. 40).

2:06 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 92:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1) making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes, and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules

2:05 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 242 – 174, 2 Present (Roll no. 39).

1:55 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 179 (Roll no. 38).

1:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINSHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on ordering the previous question on H.Res. 92, adoption of H.Res. 92, if ordered, and on agreeing to H.Con.Res. 17 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Con. Res. 17:

providing for an adjournment or recess of the two Houses

1:30 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair put the question on the adoption of the concurrent resolution, and by voice vote, the Chair announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Woodall objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

1:28 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 92:

1:27 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 92, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question, and by voice vote, the Chair announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Woodall demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

12:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 92.

12:10 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:02 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

12:01 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Jackson to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 15.

10:58 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:01 A.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Renee L. Ellmers to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: both Chambers will be in Session …2/8

02/08/2011 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

The Senate Convenes at 10:00am ET February 8, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act.

The following amendments are pending to S.223:

– Wicker amendment #14, as modified (Excludes TSA from collective bargaining)

– Blunt amendment #5 (private screening company)

– Paul #21 (reduce authorization for FAA to FY2008 levels)

– Wyden #27 (increase test sites for unmanned aerial vehicles)

– Inhofe amendment #6 (liability protection to volunteer pilots)

– Inhofe amendment #7 (flight time limitations/rest requirements)

– Ensign amendment #32 (military remotely piloted aerial systems)

– McCain amendment #4 (Essential Air Service)

– Leahy amendment #50 (liability protection for volunteer pilots)

– Reid amendment #54 (noise buffering)

– Reid #55 (Convey federal land to Mesquite, NV)

– Udall (NM) #49 (Dona Ana County airport)

– Udall (NM) #51 (Advanced Imaging Technology)

– Nelson (NE) #58 (criminal penalties for distribution of airport screening x-rays)

– Paul amendment #18 (Memorandum of understanding re: OSHA)

At 10:20am, there will be 10 minutes for debate prior to a vote in relation to the Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA).

Senators should expect a roll call vote at approximately 10:30am in relation to the Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA) to S.223, FAA Authorization.

That will be the only roll call vote of the day.

Votes:

14: Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA); Agreed to: 96-1

******************************************

The next meeting in the House is at 2pm ET February 8, 2011

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 8, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:23 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:08 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

7:07 P.M. –

RONALD REAGAN CENTENNIAL COMMISSION – Pursuant to Section 4 of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-25), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Schock of Illinois to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission .

7:06 P.M. –

COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C 3003, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Chairman; Mr. Pitts of Pennsylvania; Mr. Aderholt of Alabama; and Mr. Gingrey of Georgia to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe .

7:05 P.M. –

Mr. Dreier filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 72 and H. Res. 73.

7:04 P.M. –

Mr. Dreier asked unanimous consent that the chair of each committee be permitted to submit their respective committee rules for publication in the Congressional Record and that the chair of the Committee on the Budget be permitted to submit material related to the budget process for publication in the Congressional Record.

H.R. 514:

to extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 relating to access to business records, individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers, and roving wiretaps until December 8, 2011

7:03 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 277 – 148 (Roll no. 26).

6:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

6:30 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 8.

3:12 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

3:11 P.M. –

Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission – Pursuant to Section 4 of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act (Public Law 111-25) the Minority Leader appointed the following member of the House to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission: Mr. Reyes .

House Democracy Partnership – Pursuant to Section 4(b) of H.Res. 5, 111th Congress the Minority Leader appointed the following members of the House to the House Democracy Partnership: Mr. Price of NC, Mrs. Capps, Mr. Holt, Ms. Schwartz, Mr. Payne, Mr. Farr, Mr. Ellison, Ms. Hirono and Ms. Roybal-Allard .

3:10 P.M. –

Board of Trustees of the Congressional Hunger Fellows Program – Pursuant to Section 4404(c)(2) of the Congressional Hunger Fellows Act of 2002 (2 U.S.C) 1161, the Minority Leader appointed Mr. James P. McGovern of Worchester, Massachusetts .

National Council on the Arts – Pursuant to the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 955(b) note) the Minority Leader appointed the following member of the House to the National Council on the Arts: Ms. McCollum .

H.R. 514:

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

2:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 514.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

2:25 P.M. –

2:24 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 3, 2011 at 10:33 a.m. stating that that body had approved appointments to the Senate National Security Working Group, Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University, United States Holocaust Memorial Council, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, United States-China Interparliamentary Group conference, United States-Japan Interparliamentary Group conference, Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group conference, United States-Russia Interparliamentar

2:23 P.M. –

2:22 P.M. –

2:18 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed one minute speeches.

2:17 P.M. –

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice stating that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13396 of February 7, 2006, with respect to the situation in or in relation to Cote d’Ivoire is to continue in effect beyond February 7, 2011. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-8).

2:16 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a sealed envelope from the White House on January 26, 2011, at 3:55 p.m. which is said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits a copy of a notice filed earlier with the Federal Register continuing the national emergency with respect to Cote d’Ivoire first declared by Executive Order 13396 of February 7, 2006.

2:02 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

2:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ my 2cents ...

Monday mashup &some News …

02/07/2011 Nativegrl77

did you know …it’s Black History Month

Campaign 2011…

Today, President Obama will meet with the Chamber of Commerce …whom in my opinion helped the Republican Tea Party hold the middle class hostage until they gave the bush bonus giveaway to the rich.

I do not know about anyone else but debates are just a fraction of what i use to make my choice of who to vote for elections. I have been following what the Republicans have been saying and or doing over the months let alone the last few years, gone to YouTube to check out comments, questions and the behavior on the part of these candidates. What stands out for me is that they continue to backtrack, lie and or ignore legitimate questions. They often choose to be interviewed only on one station, usually with the same party line -that is troubling and should give pause to anyone who doesn’t know who they will vote for-words matter, anyone practicing exclusion, targeting minorities and willing to throw fellow Americans under the bus to take back their America-(what does that even mean)? In addition, politicians that are so extreme are not worthy to hold Public office or seat in Congress. These positions of power call for working for “We the People” not some or a select few -they say they want the Government out of our lives yet when it comes to “social issues”; they want to control All Americans by way of privatizing most if not all social programs. If you want less government, why among other things tell women what they can do with their own bodies. The stance on less government is definitely a joke when they pull out that whole family values platform. Republicans are for Profits before the People on steroids. They are into privatizing everything, which will put our democracy at risk from the bottom up -the real world understands that the government works for the people -Cops, Teachers, EMT, and Firefighters! In addition, shame on States that make people pay for such services. It makes you wonder about what these States did with the stimulus money targeted toward government programs. I wonder is there “a dirty little secret” in States that would choose to let your house burn down if you have not paid up your privatized service and let’s be honest if the Republican Tea Party gets back in control that is what will happen. If Republicans repeal replace or eliminate –Social Security and other governmental programs, which is more likely to happen because as of late -they, the Republican Tea Party have not announced an alternative plan. When will Republican Tea Party constituents ask themselves how will going back to the failed spending of 2007 be a good thing, telling people how to live or love and practice discriminatory behavior to folks considered under protected status.

Politicians say, do and offer up resolution or promises that are over the top and because the fight is on to win a seat in Congress or keep your seat, it is obvious it does not mean candidates will give great politics or ideology, but how much money you have to look good and out PR your opponent. I have to say it was nice to see that even with all the money thrown out there by Whitman, Fiorina, angle, O’Donnell and others running for midterm elections. The people were listening, watching and made a decision that these embarrassing women were unqualified to hold public office let alone be described as possible public servants of all the people not just some or a select few. In the en People with or without money can be offensive.

We live in a time when money is speaking excessively loud in the world of Politics, protected by activist judges like some in the Supreme Court. I absolutely believe it is time for all of us to complain and or call them out when one side decides to push the envelope too far right of center instead of the so-called “fair and balanced” news of old. The wonders and need to tweet, FB and or blog about how Republicans have all the cable, major newspapers, magazines and whatnot that dominate the airwaves are offensive. If you listen folks or companies like the Chamber of Commerce, who seems to not only represent right of center Corporate America but pushes business to outsourcing jobs. A guy like Murdoch gives to both sides of an issue and when one side becomes more of a commodity and gets more airtime he feeds it. The NRA supports 58 democrats as well as a whole lot of Republicans because they can make money on both sides of the issue, which is hypocritical and offensive.

Americans cannot do a thing about all the money given up by these corporate giants yet. We can object to the lies coming from Fox, fear mongering and race baiting this station engages in what seems like on a daily basis…even CNN has moved right of center and though that rhetoric has 1st amendment on its side it is still offensive. As a person of colour and as a mom hearing Glenn beck send subliminal nonsense out into the airwaves with actual people choosing to do the wrong thing instead of right -and people get hurt and now worse …that is my prob.

My sense of democracy means total cooperation from both sides of an economic collapse yet the Republican Tea Party has decided they will take all the money you’re handing out but vote no or scale down most if not all legislation as well as throw their own constituents under the bus in order to regain power -that is not democracy.

Other News …

**Packers defeat the Steelers -Superbowl

**Palestinians watch Egypt with a sense of hope

**Huff Post/ AOL deal -for $315million

**Missing Google exec released by authorities after sev days

**Thailand/Camboida still trading military fire…charges over ancient temple

**Cuomo’s budget moving through NY has hit NYC schools

**merger deals causing stocks to climb

**Groupon – epic failure –Superbowl commercial -tasteful comments on the back of what seems like Tibetans

**Justice Thomas‘s wife has decided to try her hand at being a lobbyist …

**Factories are doing well but no new hiring being done

CSPAN …

Senate Ethics Committee appoints special counsel in John Ensign case

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/feb/01/senate-ethics-committee-appoints-special-counsel-j/

House Republicans move to slash domestic programs

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110203/ap_on_re_us/us_congress_budget_3

Obama signs nuclear treaty documents Wednesday

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110202/ap_on_re_us/us_obama_russia_nuclear

Shortly after announcing an overhaul of the nation’s homeland security measures, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), joins C‑SPAN’s Newsmakers to expound on the new approach to prevent terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. http://c-span.com/Events/DHS-Secretary-Janet-Napolitano/10737419403/

Egypt will not back to the way it was before protests disrupted the country, President Obama said tonight in a pre-Super Bowl interview. Speaking to Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly, the President would not say when Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak would step down http://c-span.com/Events/President-Obama-Egypt-Not-Going-Back/10737419356/

Professor Elizabeth Varon teaches a class on fugitive slave laws in the run up to the Civil War at the University of Virginia. Passed in 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act indirectly resulted in the expansion of the Underground Railroad by which slaves could escape from Southern slave-holding states. http://c-span.com/Events/Lectures-in-History-Fugitive-Slave-Laws/10737419325/